State leaders may have failed to follow law

ATLANTA - Georgia's top attorney says that Republicans in the House and Senate may have failed to follow state law when they approved a $387 million tax break.

Attorney General Thurbert Baker says Wednesday that there was an ``apparent failure'' to adhere to state laws when legislators adopted the measure this month but that it's uncertain whether a court would take action.

The tax cuts are aimed at wealthy senior citizens and property owners and provided cover to GOP legislators who voted for dozens of fee hikes and a new tax on hospitals.

But critics say the measure was improper because state law says no measure that could significantly impact state revenues can be considered after the 20th day of the 40-day legislative session.